DESIGN CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF A LONG LARGE DIAMETER POLYETHYLENE TAILINGS PIPELINE.

A second generation tailings system, consisting of 8 km (5 mile) of large diameter 914-mm (36-in. ) polyethylene pipeline, the bulk of which was laid on a 0. 2% grade, is operated by Lornex Mining Corp. for the past 2 yr. The system was designed to operate as a partial flow pipeline during average flows with the ability to pressurize itself and operate as a pressure pipeline under high flows, or clean itself out under sanding conditions. The system has exceeded design capacity and has had very little downtime. Polyethylene pipe was easily and inexpensively installed and exhibits superior abrasion resistance characteristics.